KINGSTON:

Photojournalism is being used as a vehicle to expose some of the problems affecting communities in rural Jamaica, through the high school photographic competition, 'Youth Zoom'.

Sponsored by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation, the project will challenge young people to identify and to highlight conditions affecting their communities.

Sana Rose, visual arts Specialist at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), said, "The purpose of the project is to empower the youths in rural Jamaica with the technical skills." She added that this was an opportunity for young people to "tell their own stories."

creative ways

"As Jamaicans we have often found creative ways to express our thoughts and views about the world around us. We want you to use the camera to express your thoughts about your community," said Earl Jarrett, JNBS's general manager, while addressing the gathering of students on Thursday at the Jamaica Library Service, Tom Redcam Avenue, St. Andrew.

He noted that photography was the one of the most powerful ways to capture elements in time and to preserve history for generations to come.

He explained that while Corporate Area youths were not being rejected, he believes rural Jamaica needed the opportunity.

With the help of expert photojournalists, Howard Moo-Young, training workshops will be conducted for students and teachers in all rural parishes. As well, all schools that enter the competition will be given one camera each to produce photojournalistic pieces.

Other sponsors of the project include the JCDC and the United Nations Population Fund.